National Mission on Polio Eradication

In India, the National Mission on Polio Eradication is a major public health initiative aimed at eliminating polio – a severe disease which has affected thousands of kids. This mission was marked by many achievements and challenges. It is still working to rid India of poliovirus.

Polio: Overview and Impact

1. What is Poliomyelitis?

   • Polio or poliomyelitis affects mostly children below the age of five. The disease can result in irreversible paralysis and can even be fatal.

2. India’s History

   • India had a polio epidemic until 1988. Each year, hundreds of thousands cases of polio were reported.

3. The Symptoms and Signs of Polio

   • The symptoms can range from minor flu-like signs up to more severe conditions like paralysis. The following are the main symptoms:

     • Fever
     • Fatigue
     • Headache
     • Vomiting
     • Neck stiffness
     • Limb weakness

National Immunization Programme

1. The launch of a new initiative to combat polio

   • NIP started in 1978 and was greatly expanded by the implementation of pulse polio in 1985. This program aimed at providing immunizations against polio with the Oral Polio Vaccine.

2. The Strategies involved

   • Mass Immunization Days There are special days set aside for the administration of the polio vaccination to maximise reach.
   • House-to-House Vaccination: Assure that all children receive the vaccine, particularly in areas with high risk and densely-populated populations.

The National Mission on the Eradication of Polio has achieved many things

1. Fall in Cases

   • In India, the number of reported polio cases has dropped dramatically. There were only 42 cases in 2009 as opposed to nearly 200,000 annually in late 1980s.

2. Global Certification

   • The World Health Organization declared India free of polio in March 2014. This was a major milestone for India.

3. Increase Immunization Coverage

   • Immunisation coverage has increased due to the cooperation of various parties, such as local health workers and government agencies.

Challenges Faced

1. Vaccine Derived Poliovirus

   • VDPV is a persistent problem, especially in areas that are not fully immunized. VDPV isolated outbreaks have been confirmed up to 2021.

2. Accessibility for Remote Areas

   • The geographical challenges of remote areas can make vaccination programs difficult to implement.

3. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy

   • Certain communities have sometimes been resistant to vaccines due to misinformation and cultural beliefs.

Future Directions

1. Continue Immunization Coverage

   • To prevent a resurgence in polio, it is important to continue to work to ensure that high vaccination rates are maintained.

2. Surveillance, Monitoring and Analysis

   • It is important to monitor polio outbreaks, particularly in areas at high risk.

3. Community Engagement

   • It is crucial to engage communities in awareness campaigns to combat vaccine misinformation and hesitancy.

4. Global Health Organizations: Collaboration

   • India can remain alert and ready against polio by collaborating with WHO and global health organizations.

The conclusion of the article is:

India’s National Mission on Polio Eradication is an example of its commitment to the public good. India has made significant progress in its fight against polio. However, it is important that all stakeholder continue to work together and maintain a status of polio free. To eradicate polio, a complicated task, requires constant awareness and education.

FAQ

1. What is the main goal of India’s National Mission on Polio Eradication?

In order to ensure that children have a future free of danger and illness, the primary objective is to stop poliovirus spread in our country.

2. What is the process of administering the Polio vaccine?

OPV is usually administered by mouth, making mass vaccination campaigns easier. The vaccine is administered in several doses.

3. Why did polio persist in India?

The polio epidemic was caused by low vaccination rates, a lack of knowledge among the communities and difficulties in administering vaccines in remote regions.

4. How do you ensure that every child is vaccinated?

In order to reach all children, the Government has implemented strategies including House-to House Vaccination efforts, Pulse Polio campaigns across the country, as well as collaborations between NGOs and local workers.

5. Is vaccine safety guaranteed?

Before being used, vaccines in India are subjected to rigorous safety and effectiveness testing. The health authorities monitor their use.

6. What can members of the community do to help eradicate polio in their communities?

Members of the community can contribute to polio elimination by spreading information about vaccines, raising questions regarding their safety and making sure that children living in their region are all vaccinated.

7. Are vaccinated people still susceptible to poliovirus?

The chances of contracting polio are significantly reduced in vaccinated individuals. There is still a risk in some rare cases, due to the vaccine-derived virus or when vaccination is not adhered to.

8. What can be done when a child fails to receive a Polio vaccine?

It is important to ensure that a child receives the full series of immunizations, even if they miss a scheduled vaccination.

9. How is India dealing with polio outbreaks in India?

India’s response to the polio epidemic includes enhanced surveillance and rapid vaccination campaigns, as well as community engagement in order to increase vaccine acceptance.

10. What is India’s role in the WHO mission to eradicate poliomyelitis?

In addition to providing technical assistance, guidelines and resources, the WHO also supports India’s vaccination program, as well as its surveillance, health research and education initiatives.